RO119416B1 - Device for dispensing detergent as tablets in a washing machine and process for washing laundry therewith - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1, 20 and 30) for dispensing detergent as tablets (10) in a washing machine, and to a process for washing laundry therewith. According to the invention, the dispensing device comprises a net bag (2) provided with an opening (3) and closing elements (8 and 21) thereof, said net having meshes to let an aqueous solution pass after the introduction of one or several detergent tablets thereinto, the device being characterized in that the bag (2) is loosely adjustable and comprises a volume amplifying element (32) and the average size of a net mesh ranges between 1 and 10 mm. The opening (3) is defined by a rigid annular support (4) and the closing elements (8) comprise several flexible resilient elements, such as some platelets (9) radially mounted onto the annular support so that they overlap at least partially the opening. The washing process is characterized by the introduction of the claimed dispensing device containing one or several detergent tablets into a washing machine together with the material to be washed, followed by the washing operation during which the detergent tablet or tablets are decomposed and dissolved, and after the washing operation, the dispensing device is removed from the washing machine and stored for subsequent use.

Description

The invention relates to a washing process in a washing machine, by using a receptacle for dispensing at least one tablet of detergent, the receptacle comprising a mesh structure, having several meshes, to allow a solution to pass through it. aqueous, the process comprising the steps of introducing the dispensing receptacle, containing at least one tablet of detergent, in a washing machine, together with the washing articles, and performing the washing operation. The invention also relates to a dispensing device for putting into practice the aforementioned process.

Dispensers for detergent tablet compositions are known. For example, DK-B-165759 describes a dispensing device, having a flexible, fluid-permeable sleeve, which is disposed around a rigid, hollow body inside, clad and forming an annular chamber between the sleeve and body, the body being provided with an inlet port for the introduction of the tablet. Both devices include relatively complicated means for dispensing a tablet from the rigid body inside the annular chamber, and are executed through an expensive and complicated to use manufacturing process.

EP-A1 0473532 describes another dispensing device, which uses detergent tablets, which comprises a textile bag, permeable to water, having a slit opening and a body that can move freely inside the bag, for disintegrating the tablet. When analyzing the textile bag described above, after a washing operation, a large number of detergent residues were found in the material of the bag. This leads to wastage of detergent and decreased water permeability of the bag.

EP 699 410 describes a dispensing device for detergent tablets, first of all dishwashers, which comprises a rigid cage, open at the top and having gripping elements for gripping the tablets. One problem with this device is that the holes in the cage are quite large and allow large, undissolved particles, from the tablet, to reach the washing solution, producing alteration of the fabric colors. Other shortcomings include the relatively complicated structure and noise that is produced when using such a rigid device in washing machines.

EP 0479711 describes another device, comprising a rigid two-part sleeve, having an outer sleeve, of flexible material, permeable to water. When using, insert a tablet between the rigid and the flexible sleeve, before inserting the device into the washing machine. Again, this device has a rather complicated construction. In addition, this requires a special dexterity for the successful positioning of the tablet between the two sleeves.

EP 691102 describes a cage-like tablet dispensing device, with a locking system secured against access by children. The holes in the cage are quite large and can allow large particles of detergent to enter the washing solution, in addition, the dispensing device also presents problems related to noise.

EP 0610535 describes a textile bag dispensing device for dispensing powder detergent, the bag having holes large enough to allow water to penetrate and prevent detergent leakage. The use of such a bag for detergent tablets would probably result in a slight breakdown and dissolution of the tablets, resulting in a high level of residue remaining in the bag.

EP 0576234 describes a tablet dispensing device, comprising an elastic mesh sleeve, which, when inserted into the tablets, is tightly pressed onto the tablets. A number of problems are associated with this distribution device. First, while the tablets are held by the sleeve in a face-to-face arrangement, only a small surface of the tablets is in contact with the wash water. This results in a slower rate of dissolution of the tablets, which, in turn, results in a higher level of detergent residue remaining in the

RO 119416 Β1 machine after washing. One consequence of this is the increase in the number of cases of color alteration, due to detergent residues or due to the particles coming in 50 direct contact with the fabrics.

Secondly, as the mesh is firmly pressed onto the tablets, the tablets are firmly pushed to the mesh, which results in certain parts of the tablet coming in contact, through the mesh, with the washing fabrics. Such contact will lead to increased levels of color alteration. In addition, since the elastic mesh impedes the movement of the tablets relative to the mesh, the mechanical integration of the tablets is low. Finally, since the mesh is elastic, the sleeve mouth tends to be quite small, which makes it difficult to insert the tablets.

An object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing device and a washing process, which eliminates at least some of the above problems.

According to the present invention, a washing process is carried out with 60 household or industrial washing machines, of the kind presented above, the process being characterized by the fact that it is made with a device for dispensing detergent in the form of tablets, in a washing machine, comprising a freely adjustable mesh bag, in which the mesh mesh has an average size, between 1 ... 10 mm.

Surprisingly, it has been found that if the size of the mesh 65 increases over 1 mm, the frequency of color alteration, for example as a direct contact between the tablet and the fabrics, decreases. It would be expected that, with the increase of the size of the holes in the net, there will be a greater alteration of the colors, due to the greater contact of the tablet with the fabric, through the holes of the net. In practice, the opposite effect was observed in the implementation of the process according to the invention. 70

Another surprising effect of the process according to the invention is the decrease in the frequency of occurrence of residues of detergent tablets that remain in the machine after the washing operation. This effect is quite unexpected in that it is assumed that, with the increase of the mesh size, a larger number of undissolved residues will arrive inside the mesh inside the washing solution. In any case, we specify again, when applying the process according to the invention, the opposite effect was observed.

The mesh size of the mesh according to the invention is limited to less than 10 mm. Dimensions of the eye that exceed this value lead to the situation where large particles enter the washing solution. This is not desirable, due to the increased frequency of the color alteration occurring in such a case. 80

The use of a freely adjustable mesh bag has some advantages. First, the larger volume of the bag (compared to an elastic sleeve) leads to a lower frequency of clutching the bag in the mouth of the washer during washing. Second, the fact that the bag is freely adjustable allows tablets contained inside the bag to interact mechanically with each other, thus improving their dissolution rate. Third, 85 with the free adjustable bag, according to the invention, the tablets are not maintained in a close reciprocal relationship (as in the case of an elastic mesh sleeve), thus, a larger area of the tablet surface being in contact with the solution. washing.

In one embodiment of the process, the average mesh size is at least 2 mm, ideally at least 3 mm, more preferably at least 4 mm, and most preferably 90 approximately 5 mm. Typically, the average mesh size is at most 9 mm, ideally at most 8 mm, preferably at most 7 mm and most preferably at most 6 mm.

Preferably, the holes in the mesh bag have an average eye size of about 5 mm. __ 95 In one embodiment of the invention, the detergent tablet comprises a tripolyphosphate composition, typically containing a particulate detergent composition,

RO 119416 Β1 compacted, containing one or more active detergent compounds, together with sodium tripolyphosphate and other ingredients, tablet or portion thereof comprising particles containing sodium tripolyphosphate, having a phase 1 content of more than 40 % by weight of sodium tripolyphosphate in said particles, and sodium tripolyphosphate in said particles contains hydration water, distributed throughout tripolyphosphate in an amount of between 1 ... 5% by weight of sodium tripolyphosphate in the particles.

Alternatively, the detergent tablet may comprise sodium acetate trihydrate, possibly together with sodium citrate dihydrate. Such a compound may comprise a compacted particle composition, wherein the tablet or portion thereof comprises between 15 and 93% by weight of a water softener, and the tablet or portion thereof contains, in proportion to 2 ... 35% by weight, a salt which is sodium acetate trihydrate, potassium acetate or a mixture thereof, possibly together with sodium citrate dihydrate, so that the total amount of sodium trihydrate acetate, potassium acetate and citrate sodium dihydrate to be between 7 ... 50% by weight of a tablet or portion thereof.

Typically, the mesh bag is reusable and comprises an opening, for receiving tablet or detergent tablets, and means for closing, for closing the opening, to prevent the passage of the tablet or each tablet, to the outside of the bag by opening, the process including the initial step, of inserting one or more tablets of detergent into the dispensing bag, before closing the opening. In this way, opening the bag, inserting one or more tablets inside and then closing the bag is a simple operation.

In one of the embodiments of the invention, the opening is defined by an annular support, the closing means comprising several flexible elastic elements, such as blades mounted on the annular support, elements which are arranged in the radial direction, at least in cross section on opening.

Alternatively, the closing means may comprise a diaphragm mounted over the support, a diaphragm comprising an opening for inserting a tablet. Ideally, the diaphragm comprises an elastic, deformable material.

In another embodiment of the process, the closure means comprises a zipper. Alternatively, the opening can be defined by two rigid, hinged semiconductors, which can approach and move away, in a movement similar to the faces of a women's purse, for opening and closing the opening. In a preferred embodiment of the process, the closure means comprise a pulling wire system, ideally comprising a clip attached to the firing wire, for securing the bag in the open or closed position.

Preferably, the mesh bag of the process according to the invention will include a volume supplement. In many of the embodiments indicated above, the volume supplementation element will be provided by the closing means, such as, for example, the ring support at the mouth of the bag, or the pair of wings. In the ideal case, the volume supplementation element comprises an elastic, deformable ring, attached to the base of the bag and preferably sized so that it fits precisely to a perimeter of the base. The inclusion of such an element to supplement the volume proved to be able to reduce the number of cases of catching the bag, facilitating its finding after a washing operation and favoring the passage of water through the device.

Typically, the mesh bag is made of a material that can withstand temperatures, washing or drying in the car, especially up to 150 ° C. Such material is marketed under the trade mark NETLON. In any case, other materials are considered, capable of withstanding the temperatures indicated above.

The invention also seeks to provide a dispensing device for the implementation of the above process, a device comprising a mesh bag for receiving

EN 119416 Β1 to one or more tablets of detergent, the mesh bag having several meshes, to allow passage through it of an aqueous solution, the device being characterized in that the mesh bag is a freely adjustable structure, to which the mesh mesh have an average size between 1 ... 10 mm. 150

Preferably, the device according to the invention comprises a mesh bag, having meshes with an average size of about 5 mm.

In addition, the invention provides a dispensing device in combination with a detergent in solid form, not in powder form, in the ideal case a tablet.

The invention will be understood more clearly from the following description of some examples of its embodiment, given only by way of example, with reference to the drawings illustrated in figs. 1 ... 9 annexed, which represent:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a distribution device according to the invention;

- Fig. 2, top view, in plan, of the device of Fig. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1, with a tablet partially inserted into its interior;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a dispensing device according to another embodiment of the invention in an open position;

5 is a top plan view of the device of FIG. 4;

- Fig. 6, perspective view, in partial profile, of the device of Fig. 4, in the closed position; 165

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention, having a closed firing system, in an open position;

- fig.8, perspective view of the device of fig.7, with the closing system with firing wire, in closed position;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 7, having two tablets inserted into the interior 170.

Referring to the figures, and firstly to Figs. 1 and 3, a dispensing device according to the invention, generally indicated by the reference sign 1 and comprising a detergent tablet receptacle, made in the form of a bag 2 in the net, has been shown. , flexible, freely adjustable, having an open mouth 3, which is connected and held in the open position by means of 175 a rigid annular support 4, and some meshes 5, having an average eye size of about 5 mm. A closure element 8 of the mouth 3 comprises sixteen flexible elastic blades 9, mounted on the support 4 and starting in a radial direction, over a portion of the mouth 3 of the bag 2, thus achieving a partial barrier sufficiently large and sufficiently elastic, to prevent a tablet of detergent 10 from leaving the bag 2 during conventional operation. 180 in operation and with reference to FIG. 3, a detergent tablet 10 is placed inside the device 1, by pushing the tablet 10 against the barrier 8, until the radial blades 9 are sufficiently bent, to allow the tablet 10 to cross the barrier 8 In general, in a conventional operation, two tablets will be used. The device 1 and the tablets 10 (of which only one is represented), contained within it, are then placed in a washing machine, in accordance with the washing articles, and a washing operation is carried out, during which the tablet the detergent (s) inside the bag 2 will disintegrate and dissolve. Any disintegration product in the form of an undissolved particle, resulting from the tablet, smaller than 5 mm in size, will exit the bag 2 and be dissolved outside the bag 2. At the end of the washing operation, the device 1 is removed from the machine and kept for later use. 190

Referring to Figs. 4 ... 6, another embodiment of the invention is described, wherein elements similar to those described with reference to Figs. 1 ... 3 have been noted with the same reference marks. In this embodiment, the device, indicated by the reference sign 20, includes a closure system with two rigid, articulated semi-crowns 21 (pocket type), which is attached to

EN 119416 Β1 mouth 3 of the bag 2, closure system 21 comprising a pair of rigid, semicircular crowns 22a, 22b, mounted articulated at each end and which can be approached and separated, to close and open the mouth. On one of the crowns 22a is provided a clamp 23, to secure the crowns in the closed position. The use of this embodiment of the invention is similar to that described above, with the exception of the mode of operation of the closing system, which will be readily understood.

With reference to Figs. 7 and 8, there is presented another embodiment of the invention, in which the elements similar to those described, with reference to Figs. 1 ... 3, are noted with the same reference marks. In this embodiment, the device indicated by the reference sign 30 includes a draw wire closure system 31, having a tensioning clip 35, which can be moved on the wire, and a support ring 32, located on a base 33 of the device 30. The operation and construction of the firing lock system will be evident to those skilled in the art.

Fig. 9 illustrates the device of Fig. 7, having inserted inside a pair of detergent tablets.

There is a high risk of detergent when dosing tablets in a washing machine and, in particular, on front-loading machines, without the use of a dosing device; for example, tablets remain in the mouthpiece, mainly at the beginning of washing. This occurs especially in cars where the space between the door and the drum is so sized that it can receive a tablet or tablet fragments. The length of time the tablets stay in a feeding mouth depends on the water intake level. whereas the tendency, in the case of new machines, is to reduce the level of water supply, even to the extent that the water level is below the level of the mouth with detergent supply, it is understandable that in the case of such machines the tablets are not completely dissolves in the main water. This will have consequences on the performance and level of the residues. For example, the Miele ™, AEG lavamat ™, Hotpoint ™, Zanussi Jet ™ and Bauknecht Allure ™ models have a serious deposition in 50 ... 75% of the washes.

When tablets are dosed via a device, the problem of deposits is partially solved. The prerequisites for making such a device require it to have the same volume, otherwise the tablets and the device will be subject to some deposition phenomenon: for example, tablets dispensed in a small mesh have a certain frequency of occurrence of the deposition phenomenon, although the problem is , largely, diminished. In order to cover the reduced risk of deposition, at the same time and to facilitate the finding of the dosing device after washing and to facilitate the passage of water through the mesh, the invention proposes an adjustable, free mesh bag, which includes, in the optimal case, certain plastic elements, which it gives it some volume. These plastic elements can be part of the opening system (for example, a pocket-type opening system, having an elastic mechanism or a plastic system, provided with a pushing mechanism inside the tablet), or be part of mesh (for example, a plastic ring attached to the bottom of the net). In the latter example, the opening may be closed repeatedly by means of a wire or a zipper mechanism.

When dosing tablets in nets, it is unexpectedly observed (see Table 1) that there is a clear influence of the mesh size on the residue level determined after the main wash. Apparently, nets with a mesh size smaller than 1 mm significantly delay the dissolution process of the tablet, which leads to the appearance of residues in the mesh. This is considered unacceptable. Therefore, the mesh size of the mesh should be at least 1 mm. There is an optimal range of variation of the size of the eye; meshes with too small mesh delay dissolving to an unacceptable level, while meshes with too large mesh allow fragments of tablets to escape, which will increase the frequency of deposition occurring and also cause color alteration, because the direct contact between the tablet and the load is more pronounced (see Table 2).

RO 119416 Β1

The results also indicate that devices with a certain volume (eg a plastic ring) produce less residue.

Table 1

245

Wash at 30 ° C, in four washing machines. Two tablets dosed in mesh. Program stopped after main washing and assessment of residue level by weight.

Zippered net, 5 mm eyes Zippered net, 1 mm eyes Wire mesh and plastic eye ring of 1 mm Wire mesh and plastic ring, 5 mm eyes Honey W918 - ... Zanussi Jet - Whirlpool + Siemens - ... ...

+ Total dissolution after the main wash has been completed

- Some small residues, after finishing the main washing ... between 2.5 and 9 grams, after finishing the main washing

250

255

From the table below it is clear that despite the identical levels of bleaching, concentrated powders (as marketed) give a greater color alteration than the free tablets (see Table 2). This effect is surprising, but it can be interpreted that, when 260 are constrained, the powders will have a closer contact with the load than the tablets. Of course, this case simulates an extreme situation, which is closer to reality for a tablet than for a powder, for example tablets will inherently dissolve slower than powders.

Surprisingly, there is a decreasing color alteration as the mesh size increases. It was expected that the opposite would occur, since it could be assumed that by increasing the mesh size, there would be an increase in contact between the tablet and the load (see, for example, tablet without mesh, ie eyes of infinite size, presenting the most important alteration of color). Again, it seems that there is an optimum of the size of the eye, given the smallest color alteration, but in any case it is obvious that, with the increase of 270 mesh size over 1 mm, a significant decrease of the alteration procedure takes place. colors.

As a side effect, it has been observed that tablets in a mesh produce less residue on the black bag fabric than if no mesh is used.

Table 2 275 Results combined at 40 ° C and 60 ° C. Concentrated powder or tablet (with or without mesh) placed in a black bag and normal washing in the Zanussi Jet ™ machine.

After the program, the color alteration on the black bag was measured:

Delta E (color alteration) Concentrated powder 10.1 Tablet (without mesh) 6.0 Tablet (mesh, zipper) eyes 1 mm soft cough 3.9 Tablet (mesh, zipper) eyes 3 mm rough cough 2.5 Tablet (mesh, zipper) eyes 5 mm rough cough 2.0

RO 119416 Β1

In order to investigate the effect of the use of dosing devices on residues and color alteration, in the case of a real load and for complete washing cycles, and to confirm the ones shown above, the following experiment was performed:

A number of times a program with low agitation and low temperature is repeated in a Miele ™ washing machine, with a load consisting mainly of dark colored fabrics. The products are dosed in the usual way; for example, powder in the tray, at the top of the load, and tablets, at the bottom of the drum. After a number of washes, the appearance of residues and alteration of the colors of the load are visually accounted for (Table 3). Note: Deposition was searched for free tablets, but the tablets were reshipped.

The 1 mm mesh mesh produces more residue than the free tablet, as mentioned above. Apparently, the dissolution of the tablet is delayed, so that in the last part of the washing process fragments of the tablet are still present, leading to an increase in the appearance of residues and alteration of colors.

The larger mesh nets (3 and 5 mm) reduce the risk of residues and color alteration. This is especially unexpected, but in the sense of the above results, the risk of color alteration is low.

Also, it is unexpected better net score in terms of color alteration in the case of tablet in 5 mm bag, compared to NG Perch Powder (same bleaching level).

Table 3

Total number of occurrences of residues and color alteration

Residue ¹ Color alteration Free tablet ² 20 3 Mesh 1 mm ³ 31 3 3mm mesh 19 2 5mm mesh 15 1 Powder of Pergii NG 22 4

¹ Total number of occurrences of residues, including fragments, particles or films ² Observed deposition (tablets returned to load) ³ Product retained 1 mm mesh

Detergent tablet compositions

Example 1. Tablets for use in washing fabrics were formed from basic powder, spray dried, having the following composition:

11.83%

44.83%

7.88%

11.83%

1.13%

0.9%

3.2%

3.0% the rest up to 100%

Sodium linear alkylbenzene sulfonate Sodium tripolyphosphate type 1 A ¹ Non-ionic detergent ²

Sodium silicate

Soap

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose

Acrylate / maleate copolymer

Sodium sulphate and minor ingredients Water 'It contained less than 30% of the form of phase I anhydrous sodium tripolyphosphate ² Fatty alcohol C ₁₃ . ₁₆ 7EO

RO 119416 Β1

This powder was mixed with sodium tripolium phosphate particles, indicated to contain 70% phase form 1.3,5% hydration water (Rhodia-Phos HPA 3.5 available from RhonePoulenc) and other active ingredients, as indicated in the table below. As a comparison composition, the base powder was mixed with urea and other detergent ingredients.

Thus, two compositions comprised the following weight percentages: 340

Example 1 Comparison A Basic powder 63.25 63.25 Sodium perborate tetrahydrate 10.4 10.4 TAED granules 4.0 4.0 Anti-foaming granules 2.0 2.0 enzymes 0.85 0.85 phosphonate 0.5 0.5 sodium carbonate 3.6 3.6 HPA sodium tripolyphosphate 15.0 - Urea - 15.0

Portions of 35 g of each composition were prepared, in the form of cylindrical tablets, with a diameter of 44 mm, using a Carver manual press.

The strength of these tablets was measured using a universal Instron test machine, for compressing a tablet to crush. The value of the 355 diameter splicing (DFS) was then calculated using the equation:

2P σ - πΟί where σ is the diameter fracture stress in Pascali, P is the load applied to produce the fracture in Newtonians, D is the diameter of the tablet in meters, and t is the thickness of the tablet in meters.

Tablets breaking, dispersing and dissolving were determined by a test procedure, in which a tablet is placed on a plastic sieve, with a mesh size of 2mm, which is immersed in 9 l demineralized water, at room temperature. , at 22 ° C, and rotated at 200 rpm. The conductivity of the water was monitored until it reached a constant value of 365.

The time to break and dispense the tablets was considered the time (T ₉₀ ) to change the water conductivity, until reaching 90% of its final value. This was also confirmed by visual observation of the material remaining on the rotary screen.

The results were as follows: Example 1 Comparison A 370 Tablet resistance (kPa) 19.5 21.9 Tgo tablet dissolution (min) 3.35 13.4

The above shows that the tablets in this example dissolved much more quickly - 375 feet than comparison tablets, of similar strength, prepared with urea.

RO 119416 Β1

Example 2. Tablets used for washing fabrics were prepared from a basic powder, with the following composition:

Coconut sulphate ¹ 2.9%

Zeolite A24 ² 52.9%

0.7% Sodium carbonate

Nonionic detergent ³ 25.9%

5.9% soap

1.4% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose

Fluorescence agent 0.4%

Acrylate / maleate copolymer 0.7%

1. Coconut alkyl sultanate was incorporated as preformed granules, containing 45% coconut alkyl sulfate, 35% zeolite, 11% sodium carbonate, water and other salts up to 100%.

2. Maximum zeolite aluminum P from Crosfields

3. C ₁₃ fatty alcohol. ₁₅ 7EO

This powder was mixed with sodium acetate trihydrate (from Merck as used in Example 1) and other detergent ingredients, as shown in the table below. As a comparative composition, the base powder was mixed with sodium citrate dihydrate and other detergent ingredients, and then sprayed with polyethylene glycol (molecular weight 1500) at 80 ° C.

The two compositions contain as follows:

A (with Na3aq acetate) B (comparative) Basic powder 53.02 53.2 Na 4aq perbonate 19.99 19.99 TAED granules 4.49 4.49 Antifoam granules 3.42 3.42 enzymes 1.5 1.5 phosphonate 1.0 1.0 Perfume 0.43 0.43 Acetate of Na 3aq 16.13 - Silicate-carbonate co-granules - 5.5 Citrate of Na 2aq - 8.03 PEG 1500 - 2.5

From each composition 35g portions were prepared, in the form of cylindrical tablets with a diameter of 44 mm, using a manual Carver press, with different values of compaction force.

The strength of these tablets was measured using a universal Instron test machine, for compressing a tablet to crush. The value of the diametrical fracture stress (DFS) was then calculated, using the equation:

2P _ | _ _ ------- + Dt

RO 119416 Β1 where + is the diameter demand for crushing in Pascali, P is the load applied in Newtonians for the production of crushing, D is the diameter of the tablet in meters and t is the thickness of the tablet in meters.

Tablet breaking and dispersion was measured by the procedure in Example 1, using a tablet on the rotary screen. 425

The results are highlighted in the following table:

Compaction force (kN) Tablets A with 3H ₂ O acetate Tablets B compared with citrate and PEG Resistance (DFS in kPa) T90 (Min) Resistance (DFS in kPa) 8 = 1 5.1 4.0 - - 2 7.2 3.8 19.3 11.1 4 13.7 3.9 31 25 5 20.8 7.5 43 30

It can be seen that tablets containing trihydrate acetate, prepared with 5kN force of 435 compaction, had a resistance almost equal to that of the comparative tablets, made with force of 2kN, but were dispersed faster and did not require a process step. for spraying polymer onto powder.

In this description, the term size of the eye is understood as the size of the hole that would allow particles of equivalent size or diameter to pass through it. 440 Thus, a mesh, with an eye size of 1 mm, will allow it to pass through it all particles with an average diameter of 1 mm or less.

In general, the mesh bag according to the invention will be flexible. In any case, more rigid or elastic deformable materials may be used within the scope of protection.

The method and device according to the invention can be modified in various ways, without exceeding the concept of the invention.

Claims (20)

claims 1. Device for dispensing (1, 20, 30) of tablet detergent (10) into a 450 washing machine, comprising a mesh bag (2), provided with an opening (3) and closing elements ( 8, 21) thereof, after the introduction of one or more tablets of detergent, the mesh having meshes for passing an aqueous solution, characterized in that the bag (2) is freely adjustable and the mesh mesh has an average size between 1. .10 mm. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the mesh mesh has a dimension of at least 3 mm. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the mesh mesh has an average size of about 5 mm. 4. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the opening (3) is defined by a rigid annular support (4) and the closure elements (8) comprise several flexible, elastic elements 460, such as blades (9). mounted radially on the annular support so that it is at least partially above the opening. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the closure elements (8) comprise a diaphragm, mounted transversely over the annular support, which includes an orifice for inserting a tablet. 465 Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the diaphragm comprises an elastic deformable material. RO 119416 Β1 Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the closure elements comprise zipper elements. 8. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the opening (3) is defined by two parts, in the form of rigid semicircular crowns (22a, 22b), connected between them hinged at the ends so that one can be approached and distanced from one. another, to open and close the opening. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the closure elements comprise a firing system (31). Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the firing system (31) includes a clamping element (35) for securing the opening (3), in the open or closed position. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mesh bag (2) comprises a volume supplement (32). Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the volume supplement (32) is a ring, possibly attached to the base of the bag (33). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mesh bag (2) is made of a material which can withstand the temperatures required for washing or drying the articles, in particular up to 150 ° C. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is used for detergents in solid form, not in powder form. Device according to claim 14, characterized in that the solid detergent used is in the form of tablets (10). Device according to claim 15, characterized in that the detergent tablet (10) contains a tripolyphosphate composition. Device according to claim 15, characterized in that the detergent tablet (10) contains a compacted particle detergent composition comprising one or more active detergent compounds, together with sodium tripolyphosphate and other ingredients, and each tablet, or portion thereof, comprises particles containing sodium tripolyphosphate, having a phase 1 form content of more than 40% by weight of sodium tripolyphosphate of said particles, and wherein the sodium tripolyphosphate of particles contains hydrating water, distributed throughout tripolyphosphate, in an amount of 1-5% by weight of sodium tripolyphosphate in particles. Device according to claim 17, characterized in that the detergent tablet (10) contains sodium acetate trihydrate, possibly together with sodium citrate dihydrate. 19. Device according to claim 17, characterized in that the detergent tablet (10) contains a compacted particle composition, wherein the tablet, or a portion thereof, contains 2 ... 35% by weight of a salt, which is acetate. sodium trihydrate, potassium acetate or a mixture thereof, optionally together with sodium citrate dihydrate, so that the total amount of sodium acetate trihydrate, potassium acetate and sodium citrate dihydrate is between 7 ... 50% by weight tablet or portion thereof. Washing method in a washing machine, characterized in that the dispensing device defined in claims 1 ... 13 is inserted, which contains one or more tablets of detergent, in a washing machine, together with the material. to be washed, after which the washing operation is carried out, during which the tablet or tablets of detergent decompose and dissolve and, after the washing operation is completed, remove the dispensing device from the machine and keep it for later use.